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As engineers, we usually work behind the scenes, where we serve as the link between the architect's creative vision and the hands doing the work on site. Even though we are not on deck or in the wheelhouse ourselves on a daily basis, we feel connected to the yachts we get to work on. In the same way that the mechanics of a Formula 1 Team are proud when their driver wins a race, we are proud when a superyacht to which we were privileged to contribute is launched.
A superyacht is a large and complex project that requires rigorous planning, good coordination and clear lines of communication. It is the result of consummate teamwork, and it is only truly a superyacht when everything comes together and is perfectly executed. The project management required for this is fascinating to us as engineers, and as project managers. Obsessed as we are with improving processes in our daily work, we attended the Monaco Yacht Show where the result of teamwork took pride of place.
It helps to be slightly crazy to work in the Superyacht world, but the gratification is immense when a project is successfully completed. There's nothing like a perfect superyacht, and it's only good when it's really perfect. You will only last in this sector if you are a professional who wants to compete with the best, where your aim is perfection and the ultimate result.
In the same way that Formula 1 fans throughout the world attend Grand Prix races, if you are a true superyacht fan you will naturally want to visit the Monaco Yacht Show, and it is not entirely a coincidence that this is also the birthplace of Formula 1. That's why we decided to travel to Monaco for the first time this year.
We took the TGV because of sustainability, which is a major factor in Monaco, but also because we were curious about the experience and service on the high-speed train. After all, the train is the traditional means of travelling to the Côte d'Azur. In the 19th century, the arrival of the steam train heralded the beginning of the Côte d'Azur and famous seaside resorts such as Cannes, Nice, Menton and, of course, Monte Carlo. The Steam Set of that era congregated on the Mediterranean coast during the spring months. English and Russian aristocrats had fine classical villas built on the rocky coast, imported the now classic palm trees and enjoyed the Casinos, Opera House and restaurants. And of course classic yachts were used for sailing. This was the beginning of the era of superyachts...
Those expecting to find that grandeur in TGV first class will unfortunately be disappointed; an ordinary Dutch train is cleaner, lighter and more modern. There still is some work to be done to encourage people to choose trains instead of planes. Actually, the TGV ought to undergo a major refit to make rail travel an attractive alternative for the 21ste century. The TGV is faster, of course, as it reaches around 400 kilometres per hour as it passes through the undulating hills of France, before finally passing the beaches and seaside resorts of the Mediterranean coast at a snail's pace to Nice.
The Monaco Yacht Show was an impressive experience; even for those who have visited a shipyard or stood on the deck of a superyacht don't often get the chance to see so many yachts together.
The scale and scope of this show is unprecedented, and the entourage, with the azure waters of the Mediterranean, gives it exactly the look you expect.
Dutch dunes in Monaco?
Dutch companies had a strong presence with innovative concepts. Most notable was the Dunesconcept by Studio De Voogt and Feadship. The top Dutch shipyard demonstrated poetically that a warming world calls for different technical solutions and a new design language; the flowing lines of this study were borrowed from the patterns of dune landscapes on the border of sea and land. These lines do not only have an aesthetic function; the overhanging decks naturally provide shade and ventilation and can partially replace the use of air conditioning. It was the most innovative design we have seen and we believe we will definitely come across this design language again in the years to come.
Magic marble at VBH
The Dutch shipyards were not the only ones with a strong presence; suppliers also showed some great innovations. One example is Alchimiawhich is an innovation from VBH. The marble wall from which a TV screen pops up when you move your hands above the illuminated buttons seems to us to be an innovation that we will not only see in superyachts.
Delft blue below sea level
Delft blue below sea level Perhaps not an innovation, but still something to be proud of is the screw propeller painted in Delft Blue style by Dutch artist Hugo Kaagman. It serves as a striking symbol for the age-old maritime tradition that superyacht yards are building on in the Netherlands and for Heesen's BlueNautech visie of sustainability.
Containers on a superyacht?
A striking appearance at Icon YachtsThis Dutch company taps into the trend of explorer yachts and showed a modular concept that included space for shipping containers.
Impression of the Monaco Yacht Show
It was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. We will continue with even more motivation and we are already looking forward to next year. Au revoir Monaco!